If a generation of Ming monarchs in troubled times does not die young, China will have a new unified dynasty
Foreword: During the turbulent period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, heroes and heroes continued to emerge and show their powers, and the names of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Sun Quan and others were remembered by history.
However, in this era of heroes, there is also a seriously underestimated Ming Jun - Zhou Shizong Chai Rong. If he hadn't died young, the history of the Song Dynasty might have been rewritten.
The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms was a chaotic period in Chinese history, with frequent changes of imperial power leading to constant wars. In such an environment, Chai Rong stood out with his outstanding talents and showed extraordinary talent from an early age.
A descendant of a noble family, he became involved in business as a child, engaged in the tea trade. But with the change of fate, he went to his uncle Guo Wei and began to emerge on the political stage. Because his uncle had no successor, he accepted Chai Rong as his adopted son. Under Guo Wei's guidance, men grew rapidly, not only in literature and calligraphy, but also in military talents.
Under the account of his stepfather, the man repeatedly performed military exploits, showing otherworldly combat skills and leadership skills. During his tenure as the general of the Left Prison Guard, he once carried out governance in Lanzhou alone, during which he not only achieved remarkable results, but was also praised and loved by the people.
Later, Guo Wei raised troops to overthrow the regime of the Later Han Dynasty and establish the Later Zhou, but he died after only four years in power. After his death, Chai Rong naturally succeeded him as emperor.
After he ascended the throne, he began to govern the country, and he had a clear plan for the development of the next week, and put forward a "30-year plan" ahead of time, the first ten years to develop the economy, the last ten years to improve the living standards of the people, and the last ten years to maintain peace and stability.
During this short six-year reign, the economy and national strength of the Later Zhou Dynasty increased significantly. Chai Rong adopted the strategy of distant friendship and close attack, first attacking the weaker countries around him to gradually expand his territory.
During this period, it not only conquered the surrounding areas of Houshu, but also launched a fierce offensive in the Jianghuai area, defeating the Khitan many times, laying a solid foundation for national stability.
In addition to his political and military achievements, Chai Rong's social, economic, cultural and educational efforts should not be underestimated. It has implemented a relaxed tax policy, which has reduced the burden on farmers and at the same time advocated and encouraged the development of agriculture.
And his promotion of the imperial examination system has allowed more people with lofty ideals to seize the opportunity to enter the official career, so as to realize the mobility of social classes. As a result, the political environment is clean and clean, and fairness and justice are demonstrated.
In the field of culture and education, Chai Rong has vigorously supported artistic creation and technological innovation, improving the cultural quality of the people and the country's scientific and technological level.
During his reign, the man issued a series of policies that allowed the latter Zhou to grow in strength, not only to prosper the economy, but also to stabilize the political situation. In the eyes of Zhu Yuanzhang, Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Chai Rong is a great politician comparable to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
Sadly, however, this wise monarch was not able to escape his fate. During the Northern Expedition to the Khitan, Chai Rong unfortunately died of illness at the age of 38.
His death dealt a heavy blow to the Later Zhou regime. Later, Zhao Kuangyin took the opportunity to seize military power, launched the "Chen Qiaoyi Mutiny" and successfully usurped the throne and established the Song Dynasty, and the Later Zhou Dynasty also disappeared in the long river of history.
Although from his accession to the throne in 954 CE to Chai Rong's death in 959 CE, the territory of the Later Zhou Dynasty saw little significant change during the six years of his reign.
But this man did achieve some achievements in his short life. Later Shu lost four states, Southern Tang lost fourteen states, and three of the sixteen states of Yanyun were conquered by Later Zhou Shizong.
And this emperor who died young left the world not only unfinished business, but also infinite reverie for ideals. His death not only caused the people to mourn, but also made countless historians sigh.
If Chai Rong had not suffered such a bad luck and had been able to continue to implement the statecraft of his reign, would the Song Dynasty still exist, and how would history have changed?
These questions have become unsolved mysteries. The death of this emperor made people sigh a lot, and at the same time, it also made everyone realize the historical lesson that "man is not as good as heaven".
Although we can't change the outcome, Chai Rong's contribution and influence will still shine in the long river of history. His achievements and ambitions have inspired generations to come. His contributions and influences will forever be engraved in the memory of Chinese civilization.
